The tranquillity of being back on board

The only ripples are from passing barges

It's been lovely to be back on board again. Last weekend, which also happened to be the Ascension Day holiday weekend here, was glorious, meaning Koos and I were able to spend a couple of days on board Vereeniging without risking life and limb getting on and off the boat. The weather was perfect so I was very happy to be able to work outside, cleaning, sanding and varnishing. 

We also managed to start preparing the Hennie H for her first trip out, hopefully this weekend. Koos got the engine running and I started the never ending process of sweeping and cleaning. There's loads still to do, but now it's raining again, we'll have to wait until it's dry before continuing.

Here are just a few photos of the harbour. It really was quite magical.

Pearly skies reflected in the water

Evening light on the deck

Evening light over the camper park next to Vereeniging's mooring

The Hennie H basks in sunshine

The contrast between leisure pursuits and industry

At the Crumbly Cottage, too, everything is springing into life and we have a real summer view at last. I never get tired of our outlook, and the first thing I do every morning, rain or shine, is take a few moments to rest my eyes on the peaceful scenery.

Our summer view (at last) from the cottage

Willow trees coming into leaf

And lastly, Zoe has had a summer trim, thanks to my daughter who is an expert spaniel groomer. She even has the little 'skirt' that show dogs have – not that she's impressed. She's actually not very happy at losing the protective fluff under her tail, and keeps running away from herself, poor baby. I'm hoping the sensitivity will wear off soon and she'll be back to her normal self. The shorter coat will definitely keep her cooler, though.

Zoe, exhausted after her haircut

 Enjoy the rest of your week allemaal, and I'll catch up with you all soon.

More pictures than post

The last ten days have been distinguished by their lack of interesting events. It's really quite unusual for me to feel I have nothing much to say. Apart from a visit we had from a delightful English couple we met a year ago in the camper park next to Vereeniging's mooring, there's really nothing much to report. It's been one of those 'a bit of this and a bit of that' periods. 

For a start, the sunny days have been few (about one and a half days a week, literally!) and mostly too windy to undertake any boat painting. I have, however, managed to do some sanding and varnishing on Vereeniging's teak entrance (although I think I'd already started that when I last wrote a blog). What else? Well, now the leak problem in the Crumbly Cottage has been solved (thanks to Lally Brown and her amazing husband) I've also managed to repair and paint the kitchen wall which has finally dried out. The wood has also been ordered to make insulated panelling along the lower half of the kitchen wall against which I might decide to build some cupboards. I'm thinking about that.  And then today, I painted the rendered strip along the bottom of the cottage's external facade.  

So, things are progressing; just very slowly. As I said, 'a bit of this...'. And we are at least talking about going faring this summer. If we have some nice weather soon, a few spuddles might be in order to test things out - the engine, for instance.

For now, though, I am left with not much paid work other than assessments and examining, so I'm writing a lot, reading a lot, doing my DIY projects, and walking. Which brings me to my final 'bit of that' of news. 

My daughter, Jo, and I have signed up for a challenge to complete 100 km each during May in support of Multiple Sclerosis research. I realise I would probably achieve this anyway if I recorded all the walks I do with Zoe, but I am now focusing on doing one recorded walk per day that I add to the score. I don't count the rest. It's resulted in my having achieved 35% of my aim already, so I'm sure I'll manage the whole 100 km by the end of the month.  Jo and I have formed a team, The Can Doers, so if you feel like giving us (and MS research) a bit of support, you can donate here. We'd be very grateful for anything anyone can spare: https://www.themay50k.nl/fundraisers/thecandoers

So that's it allemaal. Enjoy the rest of your week and I'll finish with some recent photos from our world :)

Intriguing pathway

Hidden waterways

Stormy Zeeland skies

Best buddies

Zoe hiding under a curtain

Two big tugboats on the canal

And the huge sea ship they were towing

Typical Dutch dykeside lane